SMMT sees drop in new car CO2 emissions

According to the New Car CO₂ Report, the average new car sold in the UK in 2009 emitted 149.5g/km of CO₂, down 5.4 per cent on the 2008 figure and 21.2 per cent better than the 1997 base level. The rate of reduction was the best on record — three times the average rate achieved since data was first measured in 1997.

Reductions in average emissions were made across all model segments with MPVs down 28.6 per cent and 4x4s down 27.4 per cent, making the biggest improvement against their 1997 base levels. Minis and specialist sports cars made the biggest reduction over the past year, falling 6.7 per cent and 6.3 per cent respectively on 2008 figures.

2009 saw the 12th successive annual drop in average new car CO₂ emissions, but the rate of decline was increased by the recession and subsequent scrappage incentive scheme steering buyers towards more fuel-efficient models. The average car bought under the scheme is claimed to have emitted 133.3g/km — 26.8 per cent less CO₂ than the average scrapped car.